By: NewNaturalista
Nothing beats a guy in a great fitting suit. (Cue Don Draper) It’s sexy, powerful and shows an attention to detail. The same can be said for a woman.
Part of what made fashion in the 50′s and 60′s so great was that wonderful attention to detail. Just about everyone had access to a tailor or a seamstress. (I have to note most women were also pretty handy with a sewing machine.)
Back then, if you bought something off the rack, you’d take it to your “person” and they’d customize it for your body. It was an inexpensive way to get that “put together” look, and guess what? It’s still a cheap way to wear your clothes vs. the clothes wearing you.
While we’re on this subject, I have to also bring up (clears throat) undergarments. I once had a co-worker who wore the prettiest dresses but her body giggled like jello. I’d see her from across the room and wince at the site of her muffin top, rolling back and forth with each step. Spanx are your friend, naturalistas.
And as Tim Gunn always says, fashion should not be as comfortable as your jammies. For goodness sake, it’s about looking good and put together. You don’t have to be stuffed into a suffocating girdle to get that smooth and seamless look.
Tips in picking a good tailor
- Ask around or seek help from a salesperson at a higher end department store. (My favorite sales lady at Nordstrom helped me find a good one.)
- Once you’ve compiled a list, start calling asking the basic question, “How long have you been in business?” Also ask if they’ve altered pieces for someone with your body type.
Aesthetic
- Find out his/her ideas about fashion. Is he/she old school or trendy? A discussion about style should be seamless (no pun intended.) You want someone you can work well with, who wants to please you as well as provide expert advice.
- Ask if you can see their work
Price
- I like the idea of getting important pieces you wear often tailored – from jeans to formal dresses. Find a tailor who will offer you a fair price for whatever you’re looking for.
Time Frame
- Some tailors are busier than others! It might be a good idea to ask how long it will take them to finish your garment. It would be a shame to find the right tailor only to discover he or she has wait list.
Share your experiences! How has tailoring your clothes changed or enhanced your look?
3 comments
Elaine says:
Sep 19, 2010
So true, when I was a young lady my best fried worked in a fabric department. We got all the remnants at a discount and had most of our clothes tailored, those were the good old days. You are also true about the under support garments, a lesson you taught me. Thanks, the problems is that you have to adjust them due to your weight. lol
Jem says:
Sep 26, 2010
Great advice. As someone who is 5’2″ and plus size, a good tailor/seamstress is key.
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Nov 22, 2010
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